Superior Sun
The Superior Panthers return seven players, including four starters from last year’s roster. The experience of those returning players will be beneficial as the Panthers prepare for the 2014 season.
First-year head coach Manuel Ortega leads the Panthers after three years as an assistant coach. Despite the return of four starters, Ortega still considers the Panthers a “young team” but expects them to compete.
“My expectations for the year are to get these guys physically and mentally ready for each game,” he said.
The 2014 Panthers are: Ceasar Villalbos, Eric Oatis, Matthew Zavala, Rickey Longoria, Andrew Lopez, Elias Olmos, Jose Lira, Vincente Arriola, Nicholas Cruz, Austin Navarrette,
Jessie Lopez, Stevie Denogean, Edgar Galindo, Steven Bryd, Jalon Murry, Joseph Diaz-Gonzales, and Daniel Ramirez.
Ortega said the team has lofty goals for this season and knows they have the talent to accomplish them.
“Our goal is to make it to the state tournament and try to become champions,” he said.